I was asked if I have voip numbers for the Netherlands, which I do. This person wanted me to give them a number for free 'like skype do' so their friends and family can call them for free because skype don't do Netherlands numbers?!?! She uses skype because they're the cheapest and the quality is better than voip (oh yes?).

What does she think I am - don't answer that!

Oh, she seemed to think that once she has a voip number, it will automatically ring her landline telephone, not quite sure how that works, nor was she but that's what she wanted. She wasn't interested in how it actually works or what's involved but she believes it won't cost her money. Well she's on a quest because she refuses to listen.

Don't get me wrong, it can be done but not without it costing money because without the voip account (which IS free) the call has to be forwarded to a landline/mobile, which is the same thing as making a phone call and phone calls cost money.

Firstly, I'm not a charity and she is not a charity either. If I was supplying numbers for a charity I would be happy to offer a discount but I need to make a profit.Secondly, she wasn't interested in using my voip service because she has used, and had bad experiences with, the service from the 'free' voip ..... (voipcheap, voipstunt .....) range of companies so she knows all about it - not.Thirdly, skype do not offer free numbers of any sort.Fourthly, skype is not the cheapest . My rates are generally cheaper than skype and you don't have to pay a connection fee or add vat either (see below).Fifthly, I have a customer who constantly looks out for the best/cheapest deal around and he has always been a skype addict for years, until he tried my service - saves him money and is better quality, see testimonials.

Call rate comparison - 30 minute call

Call destination

UK landline

Orange UK mobile

skype

€0.72

€7.30

Clive Gray Computers

€0.23

€3.21

So there we have it, Skype is really cheap - Whooooppppssss, no it isn't, is it? Get over it!Don't be fooled by all the hype or your friends who'll tell you skype's the best thing since sliced bread. It isn't!Skype is now owned by our friends at Microsoft so that tells you everything.

prices correct as at 2/9/2012Brand names and trademarks in this article belong to their respective owners - not Clive Gray Computers.

Author

My name is Clive Gray, using the trading style Clive Gray Computers. I'll be jotting down thoughts and snippets as time permits.I am not responsible for the content of replies posted in response to my articles, they are the views of the poster and last time I checked, we still have the right of free speech.When replying to a post, please ensure it's relevant to the subject or it may be moved or deleted.Thank you.